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Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

Grant Program Guidelines

Draft Proposition 1 Grant Program Guidelines

July 2015

Grants Funded by the

Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014

Inquiries and Contact Information

All inquiries, correspondence, and comments on guidelines should be addressed to:

Grant Program

Rivers and Mountains Conservancy

100 N. Old San Gabriel Canyon Road

Azusa, CA 91702

626-815-1019

[email protected]

For further information please log on to our website at http://www.rmc.ca.gov

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TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1 Background

1.1 RMC Authority........................................................................................... 2

1.2 Grant Funding Sources—Proposition 1 ................................................. 2 SECTION 2 Purpose and Eligibility Requirements

2.1 Proposition 1 Grant Program Guidelines and Eligibility ...................... 3

2.2 RMC Objectives and Proposition 1 Consistency .................................. 3

2.3 Proposition 1, Chapter 6 Objectives ....................................................... 4

2.4 Promotion and Implementation of State Plans and the RMC

Environmental Justice Policy ................................................................. 5

2.5 RMC Proposition 1 Priorities ................................................................... 6

2.6 Eligible Applicants ................................................................................... 6

2.7 Project Eligibility ...................................................................................... 7

2.8 Project Ineligibility .................................................................................... 7

2.9 Additional Consisderations ..................................................................... 7 SECTION 3 Grant Application Process

3.1 Geographic Program Areas ..................................................................... 9

3.2 Project Evaluation Criteria ....................................................................... 9

3.3 Notice of Funding Availability ................................................................. 9

3.4 Grant Application ................................................................................... 10

3.5 Completeness and Selection Criteria ................................................... 11

3.6 Scoring .................................................................................................... 12

3.7 Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality ................................................ 12

3.8 Typical Grant Process ............................................................................ 12 SECTION 4 Grant Agreement

4.1 Grant Award ............................................................................................ 13

4.2 Board Meetings ....................................................................................... 13

4.3 Grant Agreement .................................................................................... 13

4.4 Environmental Documents .................................................................... 13

4.5 Project Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................ 13

4.6 Leverging Funds ..................................................................................... 14

4.7 Project Withdrawal ................................................................................. 14

4.8 Changes to the Project Scope............................................................... 14

4.9 Time Extensions ..................................................................................... 14

4.10 Payment of Grant Funds ........................................................................ 14

4.11 Advance Payment Requests ................................................................. 14

4.12 Final Payment Request .......................................................................... 14

4.13 Site Visits ................................................................................................. 14

4.14 Loss of Funding ...................................................................................... 15

4.15 Accounting Requirements ..................................................................... 15

SECTION 5 Appendices

Appendix A: Definitions................................................................................. 17

Appendix B: Chapter 6 of Proposition 1 ..................................................... 23

Appendix C: Project Evaluation Criteria .................. …………………………27

Appendix D: Grant Application Form ....................... …………………………33

Appendix E: California Conservation Corps and Certified Community

Conservation Corps Consultation……………………………..37

SECTION 6 FIGURES

Figure 1 RMC Territory Map ................................................................... 41

RMC Proposition 1 Draft Guidelines

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SECTION 1: Background

1.1 RMC AUTHORITY

The San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy (RMC) is one of ten

conservancies within the Natural Resources Agency established in 1999 (Chapters 788 and 789, Statutes

of 1999). The RMC’s mission is to preserve open space and habitat in order to provide for low-impact

recreation and educational uses, wildlife habitat restoration and protection, and watershed improvements

within our jurisdictions. RMC’s jurisdiction includes eastern Los Angeles County and western Orange

County, comprised of the San Gabriel River Watershed and its tributaries, the Lower Los Angeles River

Watershed and its tributaries, Upper Santa Clara River and its tributaries, north slope of the Angeles

National Forest, the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, Puente Hills and the San Jose Hills

(Division 22.8. of the Public Resources Code California 32600-32621), please see Figure 1, RMC Territory

Map. Additionally, the RMC recently adopted an Environmental Justice Policy with three key environmental

justice principles: (1) community driven empowerment/organizing campaigns, 2) identification of

incompatible land uses, and 3) recognize opportunities to create green infrastructure such as community

open space and alternative transportation modes including bicycling and walking (RMC Resolution 2014-

19).

The RMC was established to preserve open space and habitats in order to:

■ Improve watersheds within its jurisdiction

■ Provide for low-impact recreation, educational uses and water conservation

■ Restore and protect wildlife and habitat

■ Provides the public's enjoyment and enhancement of recreational and educational experiences on

public lands in the RMC Territory in a manner consistent with the protection of lands and resources

in those watersheds

1.2 Grant Funding Sources—Proposition 1

The voters of California approved the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014

(“Proposition 1”) in November 2014 codified as Division 26.7 of the Water Code which authorized $7.545

billion dollars in general obligation bonds for State water projects, including surface and groundwater

storage, ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration, and drinking water protection. Purposes of

Proposition 1 include implement[ing] the three objectives of the California Water Action Plan which are more

reliable water supplies, the restoration of important species and habitat and a more resilient and sustainably

managed water infrastructure (Proposition 1, Chapter 2, Section 79701 (e)). Chapter 6 of Proposition 1

allocates $30 million to the RMC for competitive grants for multibenefit ecosystem, watershed protection

and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities (Section 79731(f)). In addition, pursuant to

Section 79735(a) and upon appropriation by the Legislature $100 million may be allocated to the RMC or

the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, or a combination of both, for competitive grants to protect and

enhance urban creeks and its tributaries as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048 and pursuant to

Division 22.8.

Proposition 1 funds will be awarded for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, and

protection of land and water resources consistent with the RMC statues, the Proposition 1 goals identified

in the California Water Action Plan and statewide plans and priorities. The RMC Board may administer one

or more competitive grant cycles during the fiscal year through the issuance of a notice of funding availability

and may fund certain phases of a project in order to maximize the distribution of grant funds to multiple

recipients and throughout the RMC territory.


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The amount of funding available for each grant cycle will depend upon the amount appropriated to the RMC

by the State Legislature each year. In addition, the amount awarded will also depend on the quality of

submittals, leverage of matching funds, and multi-beneficial and multi-jurisdictional ecosystem and

watershed protection projects in accordance with statewide priorities.

SECTION 2: Purpose and Eligibility Requirements

2.1 Proposition 1 Grant Program Guidelines and Eligibility

RMC Proposition 1 Grant Program Guidelines establish the process and criteria that the RMC will utilize to

solicit applications, evaluate proposals and award grants, pursuant to Proposition 1 and RMC guiding

principles. All projects funded by the RMC with Proposition 1 grant funds must be consistent with the RMC’s

enabling legislation Common Ground from the Mountains to the Sea (Common Ground), Open Space Plan

Phase II Final Report, and the watershed and open space plans for the Los Angeles and San Gabriel River

watersheds which was adopted by the RMC in 2001 (http://www.rmc.ca.gov) for the distribution of grant

funds. In addition, the purposes defined in Proposition 1 specify that projects must carry out at least one of

the three objectives of the California Water Action Plan (Water Code 79706(a)) in order create a sustainable

strategy for managing its water resources and supply. Concurrently with these efforts to conserve and

manage its water supply, the State passed the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32) and

subsequent policy and program implementation, therefore the RMC’s Proposition 1 Guidelines and project

scoring criteria are designed to fund projects that achieve the State’s foremost goals of conserving water

resources, water supply and adhering to the State’s policies for reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets.

These guidelines will apply to both sections of Proposition 1, Chapter 6, Sections 79731(f) and 79735(a)

which allocates the following funding to the RMC: Section 79731(f) of the funds authorized by Section

79730, the sum of three hundred twenty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($327,500,000) shall

be allocated for multibenefit water quality, water supply, and watershed protection and restoration projects

for the watersheds of the state in accordance with the following schedule:..(f) San Gabriel and Lower Los

Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000). And Section 79735(a) of

the funds authorized by Section 79730, one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) shall be available, upon

appropriation by the Legislature, for projects to protect and enhance an urban creek, as defined in

subdivision (e) of Section 7048, and its tributaries, pursuant to Division 22.8 (commencing with Section

32600) of, and Division 23 (commencing with Section 33000) of, the Public Resources Code and Section

79508. Further, the RMC Proposition 1 Guidelines adopted by the RMC Board and pursuant to Water Code

Section 79706(a) may be updated periodically.

2.2 RMC Objectives and Proposition 1 Consistency

The RMC Board will adopt the Proposition 1 Guidelines which set forth the evaluation criteria for its

competitive grant programs and may be updated accordingly if necessary (See Appendix C for the Project

Evaluation Criteria). The project evaluation criteria are set by the RMC objectives which are articulated in

Common Ground and the Open Space Plan Phase II Final Report. The types of projects proposed to be

supported by this grant program are also consistent with Proposition 1 for purposes of prioritizing and for

improvements to the waters of state. The RMC’s Common Ground objectives and the types of projects

supported by this grant program are as follow*

■ Projects must promote the RMC’s statutory programs and purposes as stated in Division 22.8. of the

Public Resources Code 32600-32621

■ Projects must be consistent with the purposes of the funding source (Proposition 1)*

■ Projects must promote and implement the State’s Water Plans and Policies


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■ Create, expand, and/or improve public open space throughout the region by improving water quality supply, create, enhance or improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and habitat

■ Improve access to open space and low impact recreation for all communities and promote healthy lifestyles

■ Improve habitat quality, quantity, and connectivity through creation, enhancement, preservation, and restoration

■ Connect open space with a network of trails, accessible as appropriate to the site

■ Promote stewardship of the landscape via stakeholder involvement and long-term maintenance

■ Encourage sustainable growth that balances environmental, social, and economic benefits

■ Maintain and improve flood protection through natural and non-structural systems and ecosystem restoration

■ Establish riverfront greenways to cleanse water, hold floodwaters and extend open space

■ Optimize water resources by improving the quality of surface and ground water and enhance ground water recharge, to reduce dependence on imported water

■ Coordinate watershed planning across jurisdictions and boundaries

■ Encourage multi-objective planning and projects

■ Use science as a basis for planning

■ Involve the public through education and outreach programs *Please note, all grant applications must have a water-related benefit in order for consistency with Proposition 1 and all proposed project must improve water quality supply, create, enhance and improve a reliable water supply and/or restore an important species and habitat.

2.3 Proposition 1, Chapter 6 Objectives

Proposition 1 allocation to the RMC is pursuant to Chapter 6 “Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal

Waters and Watersheds and sets forth twelve specific purposes and all grant funds must achieve at least

four or more of the following objectives in order to receive funds.

1. Protect and increase the economic benefits arising from healthy watersheds, fishery resources and

instream flow.

2. Implement watershed adaptation projects in order to reduce the impacts of climate change on

communities and ecosystems.

3. Restore river parkways throughout the state, including but not limited to projects pursuant to the

California River Parkways Act of 2004, in the Urban Streams Restoration Program established

pursuant to Section 7048 and urban river greenways.

4. Protect and restore aquatic, wetland and migratory bird ecosystems including fish and wildlife

corridors and the acquisition of water rights for instream flow.

5. Fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of multiparty settlement

agreements related to water resources.

6. Remove barriers to fish passage.

7. Implement fuel treatment projects to reduce wildfire risks, protect watersheds tributary to water

storage facilities and promote watershed health.

8. Protect and restore rural and urban watershed health to improve watershed storage capacity, forest

health, protection of life and property, stormwater resource management, and greenhouse gas

reduction.

9. Protect and restore coastal watershed including but not limited to, bays, marine estuaries, and

nearshore ecosystems.

10. Reduce pollution or contamination of rivers, lakes, streams, or coastal waters, prevent and

remediate mercury contamination from legacy mines, and protect or restore natural system

functions that contribute to water supply, water quality, or flood management.


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11. Assist in the recovery of endangered, threatened, or migratory species by improving watershed

health, instream flows, fish passage, coastal or inland wetland restoration, or other means, such

as natural community conservation plan and habitat conservation plan implementation.

12. Protect and enhance an urban creek as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048 and its tributaries

pursuant to Division 22.8 and Division 23 of the Public Resources Code and Section 79508.

2.4 Promotion and Implementation of State Plans and RMC Environmental Justice Policy

The RMC Proposition 1 Guidelines require that projects be consistent with statewide plans and priorities

and that projects be consistent with the goals identified in the California Water Action Plan, links to key

plans can be found at http://resources.ca.gov/california_water_action_plan/.

Additionally, the RMC adopted an environmental justice policy at the November 24, 2014 Board Meeting but it may also be amended as necessary. It is the policy of the RMC that the fair treatment of people of all races, cultures and income shall be fully considered during the planning, decision-making, development and implementation of all RMC programs, policies, and activities. The intent of this policy is to ensure that the public within the RMC catchment area including minority and low-income populations are not discriminated against; treated unfairly, or caused to experience disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects from environmental and land-use decisions, and children and their families have access to safe open space and healthy neighborhoods. The RMC adopted the following key principles:

1. Make environmental justice considerations a standard in the way we do business. We will keep an environmental justice perspective in our programs, activities, and training, as we set priorities, identify program gaps, and assess the benefits and adverse impacts our programs have on communities in our catchment area.

2. Work with local elected officials, staff of cities, and community groups, to address concerns about lack of access to safe open space, especially in low-income and minority communities.

3. Review and evaluate RMC programs and activities to ensure that the environmental justice perspective through its programs does not contain any substantive gaps.

4. Develop and incorporate an environmental justice program element into our employee-training curriculum.

5. Annually provide a staff briefing to the Board at a public meeting regarding ongoing and planned activities. Issue a written annual status report identifying action items accomplished and a proposed work plan outlining the action items for the next year. The work plan shall include quantitative goals for working in disadvantaged communities and populations adversely impacted by industrial and transportation proximities.

6. Strengthen our public outreach, education, and organizing efforts in all communities, especially low-income communities and where we see a need for the implementation.

7. Identify partners within land-use and transportation agencies that are responsible for the environmental benefits or adverse impacts in our neighborhoods and address potential mitigation activities.

8. Work with cities, County of Los Angeles, and community groups in identifying relevant populations living in close proximity to industrial and transportation locations that may benefit from RMC programs and activities. 9. Taking a proactive role in working with cities in adopting and/or updating their General Plans to implement environmental justice policies.


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10. Work in conjunction with other federal, state, regional, and local agencies to ensure consideration of disproportionate impacts on relevant populations and create action oriented mitigation plans. 11. Fostering broad access to existing and proposed data sets and technology to better identify, analyze, and respond to environmental justice issues (database bank).

RMC commits to integrating environmental justice principles into its programs and plans and will continue

to improve our outreach efforts in all communities of our catchment area, ensuring that everyone has an

opportunity to participate fully in the development and implementation of our programs. As an oversight

agency we will work closely with local cities and County of Los Angeles, and other stakeholders to jointly

develop environmental justice awareness so that it is in line with our funding grant programs for project

design and development. Our commitment is to take consideration of neighborhoods where people

encounter environmental pressures given their close proximity to industrial and transportation zones, as

well as incompatible land uses. The RMC’s goal is to ensure that the populations in our area especially

children and families are empowered to play a role in creating a healthful environment.

2.5 RMC Proposition 1 Priorities

The RMC will seek to prioritize multi-beneficial and multi-jurisdictional ecosystem and watershed protection

projects in accordance with statewide priorities. A proposed project must be consistent with Proposition 1

bond language, RMC Common Ground and the California Water Action Plan. Further, the proposed project

must be evaluated under the RMC priority areas in order to be considered for funding. The RMC will set

priority areas for evaluating projects and approving expenditures within the RMC jurisdiction, which will

include review of existing state plans, screening for projects that achieve multi benefits, serve

disadvantaged communities and result in quantifiable outcome in the following priority areas:

■ Water Sustainability and Resiliency

■ Disadvantaged Communities

■ Wetland Restoration

■ Urban Greening along the San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers

■ Climate Change Adaptation and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

2.6 Eligible Applicants

All proposed projects must be located within the boundaries of the RMC and eligible applicants include

(Proposition 1, Chapter 4, Section 79712):

■ Public Agencies

■ Public Utilities that is regulated by the Public Utilities Commission

■ Federally recognized Indian tribes, state Indian tribes listed on the Native American Heritage Commission’s California Tribal Consultation List

■ Mutual Water Companies shall have a clear and definite public purpose and shall benefit the customers of a water system and not the investors

■ Cities

■ Counties

■ Joint Powers Agencies

■ Nonprofit organizations (existing under Section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code) and whose purposes are consistent the RMC’s enabling legislation

Individuals and corporations are not eligible for this grant program; however RMC encourages multiple

partners or joint projects. As long as the applicant is a listed eligible applicants, applications will be accepted

from joint projects with non-eligible agencies.


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2.7 Project Eligibility

RMC Proposition 1 Guidelines will fund projects which are consistent with the RMC’s enabling legislation,

meet the RMC’s required project selection criteria, support the RMC’s Common Ground Objectives and

advance the objectives of Proposition 1.

In addition, Proposition 1 funds must be spent consistent with the General Obligation Bond Law,

Government Code Section 16727; and in order to provide for a competitive grant application the RMC

encourages applicants to develop complete and comprehensive projects which may include, trails access

improvements, educational, interpretive programming and public outreach. The RMC is committed to

funding well-formed projects that provide multiple benefits but applicants must ensure these elements are

funded through matching funds, since Proposition 1 funds only water related projects. Additionally, these

supplementary elements may earn applicants additional points in the scoring criteria and provide for a

competitive grant.

The following costs are eligible for RMC grant funds:

■ Grant funds may be used for the acquisition, development, rehabilitation, restoration, and protection

of land and water resources.

■ Land acquisition costs may include appraisals, land, improvements, relocation costs, title reports,

surveying, and escrow. Land must be acquired from willing sellers and at fair market value.

■ Indirect and Overhead expenses are allowed and includes project-specific management costs such

as CEQA/NEPA compliance, permitting, direct project administration and management. Projects that

have lower overhead or no overhead costs will be deemed more competitive. The RMC may cap

indirect and overhead costs at 10-15% of the total project cost.

■ Proposition 1 funding has limited funding available for preparation of planning documents, such as

watershed plan updates, CEQA compliance documents and other planning documents (79735(d):

Up to 10 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section may be allocated for project planning)

2.8 Project Ineligibility

The following uses are not eligible for RMC grant funds:

■ Operations and Maintenance related costs for the lifetime of project.

■ Playground equipment and/or infrastructure such as swing sets and skate parks.

■ Facilities that do not have an environmental education focus or theme, such as basketball courts,

hockey courts, etc. Multi-use projects may include these elements, but this program will not fund

planning or development of such facilities.

■ Projects that cause erosion or contribute to flooding.

■ Projects on land or improved property acquired by condemnation from an unwilling seller.

■ Project has no water related benefits, lack an improved habitat or species restoration, has a low

impact public recreation access and it is not consistent with Proposition 1 objectives.

■ Projects traditionally provided by the private, non-government sector or by concessionaires, such as

gift shops, equipment rentals, concession stands, etc., unless it can be shown that no private

entrepreneur is willing to provide services, and there is demonstrated need for the Project.

■ Projects that exclusively fulfill other mitigation requirements.

2.9 Additional Considerations

The following are additional considerations for evaluating project eligibility:

■ Each project must include information that addresses RMC Project Evaluation Criteria.

■ Applicants shall submit an individual application for each eligible project within their jurisdiction.


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■ Project applicants are required to utilize the California Conservation Corps (CCC) or a local

conservation corps certified by the CCC to implement projects, please see Exhibit E.

■ All projects funded by Proposition 1 must be consistent with the Porter-Cologne Water Quality

Control Act (Division 7 of the Water Code) and the State’s five-year infrastructure plan prepared

pursuant to Government Code section 13100

■ Facilities development projects must demonstrate a strong relationship and value to natural resource

stewardship or environmental education.

■ Rehabilitation and restoration projects of natural habitats must be biologically and technically

feasible.

■ Agencies acquiring land may use the Natural Heritage Preservation Tax Credit Act of 2000 (Division

28 of the Public Resources Code. Water Code Section 79711(h)).

■ Where appropriate, grantees will be required to provide signage informing the public that the project

received Proposition 1 funding. This requirement will be addressed in the grant agreement.

■ Applicants must complete the project and submit all documentation within three years of grant award.

■ Grants shall be paid on a reimbursement basis.

■ Applicants shall provide for public access and low-impact recreation, unless it is specifically

prohibited or not ecologically or biologically feasible.

■ Projects that have multiple benefits will be considered more competitive.

■ Projects which have a clearly articulated monitoring and assessment plan will be considered more

competitive.

■ All real property shall be acquired from a willing seller and in compliance with current State laws

governing Relocation and Acquisition of real property by public agencies. Appraisals will be subject

to prior approval of fair market value by the State Department of General Services.

■ All projects must comply with CEQA and/or NEPA as appropriate. These costs may be funded under

this program as part of planning dollars. Status will be carefully evaluated and projects that have

completed CEQA/NEPA and/or are advanced in the environmental process prior to the application

will be considered more competitive.

■ Applicants shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and permitting requirements.

■ All information contained in the grant applications is confidential until the grant awards are

announced. After that time, all applications will become public information.

■ Applicants awarded grants (Grantees) must enter into a grant agreement with the RMC before funds

can be disbursed.

■ Grantees will be required to submit reports to the RMC, including progress, financial, and monitoring

and assessment reports. Under usual circumstances, reports shall not be required more frequently

than on a quarterly basis.

■ Projects need to meet and exceed the criteria set forth in Common Ground and Chapter 6 of

Proposition 1, as well as any planning criteria approved by agencies within the project jurisdiction,

such as master plans or watershed management plans.

■ Matching funds or in-kind services are required. Matching funds include project planning, operations

and maintenance, volunteer support, and ongoing monitoring and assessment for the lifetime of the

project. Contributions may be in the form of cash contributions, property, or in-kind services and must

be verifiable.

■ All applicants must adhere to the RMC Environment Justice Policy.

■ Special consideration will be given to projects that employ new or innovative technology or practices,

including decision support tools that support the integration of multiple jurisdictions, including but not

limited to, water supply, flood control, land use and sanitation (Section 79707(e).


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Section 3 Grant Application Process

3.1 Geographic Program Areas

To facilitate the comparison and aggregation of similar projects and assure that funds are available for a

wide range of projects, these grant funds will be applied to three program areas that can be described in

geographic terms. Project applicants will be asked to identify which program area their project falls into.

Projects cannot qualify for inclusion in more than one program area, as described below:

■ Urban Lands—All land within the developed, urban core of the RMC territory that is NOT within the

area identified for River/Tributary Parkways, or within the Mountains, Hills, and Foothills.

■ River/Tributary Parkways—Land falling within one-quarter mile on either side of the centerline of a

river or tributary within the RMC territory, but NOT within the Mountains, Hills and Foothills or Urban

Land areas.

■ Mountains, Hills, and Foothills—Land lying within the area of a named system of mountains, hills

and foothills. More specifically, land lying within the geographic area of the San Gabriel Mountains,

the San Jose, San Rafael, Montebello, Puente, Chino, Coyote, or Signal Hills, the San Gabriel

foothills, and within the territory of the RMC but NOT within the Urban Lands or River/Tributary

Parkways. To determine the specific area in which your project might fall, please refer to the RMC

website: http://www.rmc.ca.gov/about/territory.html.

3.2 Project Evaluation Criteria

The RMC Board will adopt the following project evaluation criteria with the major elements of the project

evaluation criteria are as follows:

■ Restore River Parkways

■ Educational/Interpretive*

■ Habitat and Restoration Resource Values

■ Matching Funds

■ Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities

■ Multi-beneficial and multi-jurisdictional ecosystem and watershed protection projects in accordance

with statewide priorities

■ Stakeholders/Partners

■ Stewardship and Organizational Capacity

■ Water Sustainability, Water Storage and Water Infrastructure

■ Urban Land

■ Water Resource and Water Quality

*These project elements may provide additional information for evaluating the project but these elements

are not eligible costs under Proposition 1.

3.3 Notice of Funding Availability

The RMC Board may administer one or more competitive cycles each fiscal year through the issuance of a

notice of funding availability and may fund certain phases of a project in order to maximize the distribution

of grant funds to multiple recipients and throughout the RMC territory. Grants will be awarded in a manner

which supports and advances the RMC’s objectives and meets and exceeds the purposes of Chapter 6 of

Proposition 1.


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3.4 Grant Application

Completed grant applications will be evaluated to determine the final funding recommendations. Applicants

will be required to submit one original (1) and five (5) copies of the application and attachments as well as

a digital copy. The following materials are required for a complete application:

1. Grant Application Form (Refer to Appendix D)

2. Project Description including:

■ A complete description of the project, include project map and photos

■ Project goals and objectives that are measurable and quantifiable

■ Statement of need for the proposed project

■ Project feasibility analysis

■ How the project will be carried out (include specific plans for community outreach, education, or publicity),

■ Description of audience and geographic area served,

■ Description of final product,

■ Organizational capabilities,

■ A summary of how the project meets the RMC’s policies and project evaluation criteria, and exceeds Proposition 1, Chapter 6 objectives

■ A monitoring and assessment plan

The goals and objectives should clearly define measurable and outcome-oriented goals and objectives for

the project, performance measures to track progress toward objectives, and a reporting system to present

the analysis of performance measures. The goals and objectives should be set to demonstrate the project's

contribution to RMC's overall mission and to targets identified for each specific project. These goals and

objectives can be set periodically and over the long term of the project and as appropriate.

The monitoring and assessment plan should include the tracking of the progress of the measurable goals

and objectives of the project during as well as after the project is completed.

The RMC is interested in measuring the progress of each of its activities in achieving results or outcomes.

Hence, the focus of each project evaluation must be on outcomes, defined as the project results or impact

on users and society. Output and other measures are important, but the focus should be on results. The

cash equivalent of staff time dedicated in kind to evaluation and reporting in the project proposal will be

counted as matching funds. Each successful grantee will be required to work with the RMC to develop an

evaluation and reporting framework.

3. California Conservation Corps and Certified Community Conservation Corps Consultation:

Applicants applying for funds to complete restoration and ecosystem protection projects are required

to consult with representatives of the CCC and the California Association of Local Conservation

Corps (CALCC), the entity representing the certified community conservation corps, to determine the

feasibility of the CCC in completing the proposed project (Sec. 79734). Unless otherwise exempted,

all applicants that fail to engage in such consultation should not be eligible to receive Proposition 1.

CCC and CALCC have developed the consultation process for inclusion in Proposition 1 funding,

please complete Exhibit E and for more information, visit

http://www.ccc.ca.gov/work/programs/prop1/Pages/default.aspx.


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4. Tasklist and Timeline: The tasklist should include a detailed description of each task and

should include tasks for evaluation, monitoring, and assessment. An example of a tasklist

can be found on the RMC website at http://www.rmc.ca.gov/.

5. Budget: The budget will include any matching funds that may be used for the project. Please also identify any other grants for which you have applied for this project (include amount, potential funding agency, and contact). See the RMC website for an example of a project budget at http://www.rmc.ca.gov/. Applicants should endeavor to submit a budget in the format presented in the example on the RMC website.

6. Resolution: The applicant’s governing body that certifies that the project is consistent with Common Ground and Phase II Final Report, as well as local or regional land use plans or programs. If the project is not consistent with local or regional land use plans or programs, the resolution must state that the governing board approves the project.

7. Environmental Compliance: This information may include a notice of exemption filed with the county clerk, an initial study, a brief description of how the applicant will comply with CEQA/NEPA.

8. Parcel map: The applicant must submit a legal parcel map of the project location.

9. Permits, Easements, or Certifications: The applicant is required to obtain all permits related to the proposed project before implementation of the project.

10. Operation and Maintenance: The applicant must demonstrate, specifically for development projects an outline of how the project will address future operations and maintenance needs (no more than one page).

11. Agreements: The applicant must include proof of ownership and compliance with Land Tenure Requirements.

12. Non-profit, if applicable, proof of non-profit status.

13. Project Site Photographs (no more than six (6) photographs, not larger than 8 ½” by 11”). Digital format is preferred, on CD, and each photograph should be saved as a separate file.

14. Letters of Support: No more than three (3) letters; maximum one (1) page each. Although the applicant can include additional support letters, only three support letters are required to fulfill this requirement.

3.5 Project Completeness and Selection Criteria

RMC staff will review grant applications for completeness and incomplete grant applications will be returned

to the applicant. Following is the initial selection criteria which all grant applications must adhere to:

■ The applicant is an eligible entity;

■ The applicant has submitted a complete grant application, as previously stated in Section 3.4, Items 1-14;

■ The project meets the RMC’s required grant selection criteria per the RMC Proposition 1 Guidelines;

■ The project meets the RMC’s Common Ground and the Proposition 1, Chapter 6 objectives;

■ The project consists of work that is eligible for bond funds under the General Obligation Bond Law;

Applications that do not pass the initial selection criteria will not proceed to the scoring process. The RMC has the discretion to either return the application or assist the applicant with gathering additional information and modifying the proposal to enable the application to pass the screening process.


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3.6 Scoring

Complete applications that have passed the initial selection will be reviewed and scored by a minimum of three professionals with relevant expertise. Reviewers may include local, state and federal agency staff and others with relevant expertise, including consultants and academics. All reviewers other than the RMC staff will be required to document that they do not have a conflict of interest in reviewing any proposals. The total score of the three reviewers will be averaged and each grant application will be placed in their appropriate RMC’s programming area which includes, Urban Lands, Rivers/Tributaries Parkways and Mountains/Hills/Foothills. Grant applications will be scored according to their program area and weighted against each grant proposal in their appropriate RMC Programing Area. All reviewers will score each grant application in accordance with the Project Evaluation Criteria and grant applications with an average percentile of 85 percent or better may qualify for recommendation of grant funds. Although a grant application receives a high score it may not be recommended for funding, given funding availability and project readiness. Staff will determine if funding is available and if the project is ready for recommendation to the RMC Board.

3.7 Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality

All participants are subject to federal and State conflict of interest laws. Failure to comply with these laws,

including business and financial disclosure provisions, will result in the application being rejected and any

subsequent contract being declared void. Other legal action may also be taken. Accordingly, before

submitting an application, applicants are urged to seek legal counsel regarding potential conflict of interest

concerns that they may have and requirements for disclosure. Applicable statutes include, but are not

limited to, Government Code Section 1090, and Public Contract Code Sections 10410 and 10411 for State

conflict of interest requirements.

Applicants should note that by submitting an application, they waive their rights to the confidentiality of that

application. RMC staff will review each application. Once the application is signed and submitted to RMC

any privacy rights as well as other confidentiality protections afforded by law will be waived.

3.8 Typical Grant Process The following table outlines the typical grant process for successful applicants.

Responsible Entity

Task

RMC Announces draft guidelines and holds public meetings for submittal of comments

RMC Approval of Grant Guidelines at the RMC Board Meeting

RMC Announces Grant Funding Cycle and deadline for grant applications

Applicant Submits grant application and supporting documents to the RMC

RMC and

Grant Selection Committee

Staff determines if grant application is complete and submits to the Grant Selection Committee for evaluation and scoring

RMC Staff notify project applicants of their status, either complete or incomplete

Grant Selection Committee

Grant Selection Committee evaluates grant applications, may perform site visits on semi-finalists, and recommends projects for funding to the RMC Board.

RMC Board Board approves funding recommendations

RMC Staff sends a Grant Agreement to the Grantee.

Grantee Returns the signed Agreement to RMC.

RMC Staff sends a fully executed Grant Agreement to the Grantee.

Grantee Completes environmental documentation and permitting as needed.

Grantee Commences work on the Project.

Grantee Submits required reports, plans, and documents, as required, to RMC.

Grantee Grantee posts signs during construction per attached Sign Guidelines.


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Responsible Entity

Task

Grantee Requests progress payments.

Grantee Upon completion of the Project, posts signs acknowledging source of funds.

Grantee Submits Project completion packet.

RMC Staff checks final documentation for completeness and accuracy and makes final inspection of Project.

RMC Staff processes the final payment.

Grantee Submits documents for audit, if requested.

Section 4 Grant Agreement

4.1 Grant Award RMC staff will determine which qualified applications to recommend to the RMC Board for funding and the amount of funding, taking into account the project’s score relative to other eligible projects, the total amount of funding available for Prop 1 projects, the urgency of the project relative to other eligible projects, the RMC’s Common Ground, and the application of the RMC’s Project Evaluation Criteria. The RMC expects that it will take an average of six to eight months from application submittal, through evaluation and recommendation to the RMC Board for action and if approved an additional month for execution of the grant agreement. 4.2 Board Meetings No grant shall be awarded unless the RMC Board has approved the grant at a public meeting. The RMC typically holds seven public meetings per calendar year. The meeting schedule is published on the RMC’s website. The agenda for each public meeting is published on the RMC’s website at least five days in advance of the meeting. RMC staff will prepare a report for each proposed grants presented to the RMC Board at a public meeting. The staff report will describe the project and explain how the project is consistent with the RMC’s enabling legislation, the RMC Program Guidelines, and the evaluation criteria in these Proposition 1 Grant Program Guidelines. 4.3 Grant Agreement Once the RMC has approved a grant at a public meeting, RMC staff will prepare a grant agreement setting forth the terms and conditions of the grant. The grantee must sign the grant agreement and comply with conditions in order to receive funds. Please note the grant agreement is being developed and will become final within the next few months. 4.4 Environmental Documents The RMC is required to comply with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Grant applicants should consider whether their proposed project will trigger the need for an environmental impact report or negative declaration or whether a CEQA exemption applies. How CEQA applies and the status of CEQA compliance must be addressed in the grant application. 4.5 Project Monitoring and Reporting All grant applications must include a monitoring and reporting component that explains how the effectiveness of the project will be measured and reported. The monitoring and reporting component will vary depending on the nature of the project. The grant application evaluation will assess the robustness of the proposed monitoring program. In addition, RMC staff will work with grantees to develop appropriate monitoring and reporting templates and procedures.


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4.6 Leveraging Funds

The RMC will award additional points to applicants with significant matching funds. The amount of leveraged funding will be specifically identified in every staff recommendation for potential approval by the RMC Board. The RMC will provide a summary of the total leverage of RMC funds from all its grant programs in an annual financial report to the RMC Board. 4.7 Project Withdrawal If a Grantee wishes to withdraw a Project, Grantee shall notify RMC in writing. In the event an approved project cannot be completed, and if grant funds were advanced, those funds, plus any accrued interest, must be returned to the State. If the CEQA/NEPA work is done after the grant has been awarded, and the determination is an impediment to completing the project, RMC will reimburse the applicant for costs expended up to 20 percent of the total grant as outlined above.

4.8 Changes to Project Scope

A Grantee wishing to change the scope of an approved project shall submit the proposed change in writing

to RMC for approval. Any change must be consistent with the authorizing legislation and Common Ground

and Proposition 1, Chapter 6 objectives.

4.9 Time Extensions

The Grantee is expected to complete the project according to the time identified in their project timeline.

However each contract will have a project performance period of three years to allow for unexpected events.

An extension of the three-year performance period is unlikely.

4.10 Payment of Grant Funds

■ Disbursements of grant funds will be made incrementally, as separate components of the Project are

satisfactorily completed.

■ Payments shall be on the basis of costs incurred, less 10 percent to be withheld from all invoiced

amounts.

■ Requests for reimbursement are preferred on a quarterly basis. Requests must include

documentation that demonstrates that costs have been incurred and an itemized description of all

work done for which reimbursement is requested. Payment requests should clearly identify the

specific elements of the work plan to which they pertain.

■ Grantees should allow four to six weeks to receive payment after submitting a complete payment

request package.

■ Any request that is submitted without supporting documents will not be approved for payment.

4.11 Advance Payment Requests

■ Advance payments for Project costs are not allowed. RMC, at its sole discretion, may honor

advance payment requests, if warranted by a documented compelling need.

■ For Acquisition Projects, advances are made after the property is in escrow, directly into an interest

bearing escrow account and any remaining amounts with interest incurred must be returned to the

RMC.

4.12 Final Payment Request

The funds withheld from Project payments are referred to as the Final Payment Request. The Project

Completion procedures will be specified in the Grant Agreement.

4.13 Site Visits

The Grantee shall permit and arrange periodic site visits including a final inspection by RMC to determine

if the work performed is in accordance with the approved Project Scope.


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4.14 Loss of Funding

The following actions may result in a loss of part or all of the funding allocation to the Grantee:

A Grantee fails to return a signed agreement with the RMC within 60 days of receipt of the grant agreement.

A Grantee withdraws from the Program in writing.

A Grantee fails to complete all funded project scope and/or fails to submit all documentation no later than

three years from grant award unless otherwise approved for extension by the RMC.

4.15 Accounting Requirements

Grantees shall maintain an accounting system that does all of the following:

■ Accurately reflects fiscal transactions, with the necessary controls and safeguards

■ Provides good audit trails, especially the source documents (purchase orders, receipts, progress

payments, invoices, time cards, cancelled warrants, warrant numbers, etc.)

■ Provides accounting data so the total cost of each individual Project can be readily determined

■ Projects are subject to audit by the State for three years following the final payment of grant funds.

The purpose of the audit is to verify that project expenditures were properly documented. If your

project is selected for audit, you will be contacted at least 30 days in advance. The audit will include

all books, papers, accounts, documents, or other records of the Grantee, as they related to the project

for which RMC funds were granted. The Grantee shall have the Project records, including the source

documents and cancelled warrants, readily available to the State. The Grantee must also provide an

employee having knowledge of the Project and the accounting procedure or system to assist the

State’s auditor. The Grantee shall provide a copy of any document, paper, record, or the like

requested by the State. All Project records must be retained for at least one year following an audit

or final disputed audit findings.


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Appendices

APPENDIX A: DEFINITIONS

"Acquisition" means to obtain from a willing seller fee interest or any other interest, including easements

and development rights, in real property.

"Allocation" means a distribution of funds or an expenditure limit established for a Grantee for one or more

projects.

"Applicant" means the local, state, nonprofit organization, or Federally Recognized California Indian Tribe,

requesting funding from a program administered by RMC.

"Application" means the individual Application Form and its required attachments and supporting

documentation for grants pursuant to the enabling legislation and/or program.

"Appraisal" means a written statement independently and impartially prepared by a qualified appraiser

setting forth an opinion of defined value of an adequately described property as of a specific date, supported

by the presentation and analysis of relevant market information.

"Appropriation" means a budget authorization from a specific fund to a specific agency/or program to

make expenditures or incur obligations for a specific purpose and/or period of time.

"Brownfields" means abandoned or underutilized land and buildings in already-developed urban,

suburban, or rural locations that have actual or perceived contamination from previous or adjoining uses.

"CEQA/NEPA" means the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000, et

seq.; Title 14 California Code of Regulations Section 15000, et seq. (For more information, please see

http://ceres.ca.gov/CEQA/NEPA/) Applicants must assess the possible environmental consequences of

projects, which they propose to undertake.

"Competitive" means the allocation of moneys for one or more projects for the acquisition, development,

or interpretation of recreational lands and facilities, and historical or archeological resources on a project-

by-project basis, based upon stated criteria, through the competitive process.

"Common Ground" refers to the San Gabriel and Los Angeles Rivers Watershed and Open Space Plan

prepared by RMC and approved by a majority of the cities representing a majority of the population, the

Board of Supervisors of Los Angeles County, and by the Central Basin Water Association and the San

Gabriel Valley Water Association.

“Commission” means the California Water Commission. “Committee” means the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Finance Committee created by Section 79787.

"Connectivity" means continuity in open space enabling linkages between open space, and wildlife habitat

areas and typically including trails and passive or active recreation nodes.

"Contract" means the agreement between the RMC, grantee, property owner, and/or mortgage lender,

specifying the payment of funds for the performance of a project scope within the project performance

period by the grantee.


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"Contractor" means the prime person or firm that has been selected by the grantee to perform the project

work.

"Development" means improvements to real property by construction of new facilities or rehabilitation,

restoration, renovation or additions to existing sites, property, or facilities.

“Disadvantaged community” has the meaning set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 79505.5, as it may

be amended. Low-Income means a person whose median household income is at or below the Office of

Environmental Health Hazard Assessment poverty guidelines, please visit http://oehha.ca.gov/ej/ces2.html.

"District" means an agency of the state, formed pursuant to general law or special act, for the local

performance of governmental or proprietary functions within limited boundaries, such as a regional park

district, regional open space district, water district, conservation district, or flood control district.

"Ecological Value" means the project will support the relationships between living organisms and their

environment.

“Economically distressed area” means a municipality with a population of 20,000 persons or less, a rural county, or a reasonably isolated and divisible segment of a larger municipality where the segment of the population is 20,000 persons or less, with an annual median household income that is less than 85 percent of the statewide median household income, and with one or more of the following conditions as determined by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment: (1) Financial hardship. (2) Unemployment rate at least 2 percent higher than the statewide average. (3) Low population density.

"Ecosystem" means a balanced natural system of living organisms and their environment.

"Enhancement" means to modify current conditions and may be used to describe a project that would

result in a natural resource, habitat, cultural or historic site, recreational area, or existing facility achieving

a desired level of improvements while considering the protection of the natural environment. It is

distinguishable from "restoration" in that it does not imply merely a return to historic natural conditions but

may include the provision of recreation or other aspects that were not original features.

"Environmental Education" means programs and related facilities and processes that increase knowledge

and awareness about the environment and help develop skills that enable responsible decisions and

actions that impact the environment.

"Environmental Justice" is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people –regardless of

race, ethnicity, and income or education level – in environmental decision-making. Environmental justice

programs promote the protection of human health and the environment, empowerment via public

participation, and the dissemination of relevant information to inform and educate affected communities.

"Exotic species" means any non-indigenous plant or animal species.

"Federally Recognized California Indian Tribe" means any California Indian tribe, band, nation, or other

organized group or community certified by the Secretary of the Interior as eligible for special programs and

services provided by the Secretary of the Interior.

“Fund” means the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Fund of 2014 created by Section 79715.

"Grantee" means an Applicant who has a contract for grant funds.

“Green Building” means a building which is designed, constructed, and operated consistent with the rating

system for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system developed by the US Green

Building Council.


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"Habitat linkage" means connections between otherwise isolated areas of habitat that may (1) provide for

daily and seasonal movements of animals; (2) facilitate dispersal, gene flow, and rescue effects (for animals

or plants); (3) allow for range shifts of species; and (4) maintain flows of ecological processes (e.g., fire,

wind, sediments, water).

“Habitat creation” means the formation or increase of at least one of the following: terrestrial, avian, or

aquatic habitats or creates new linkages or corridors.

“Habitat preservation” means keeping threatened natural habitat and protects native floral and faunal

biodiversity that may be lost to a planned urban development.

"Habitat restoration" means to return the site’s hydrology, topography and natural vegetative communities

to historic predisturbance conditions so that the site provides food and shelter for wildlife, and performs

natural processes including reducing the volume and velocity of runoff, and increasing the water infiltration

rates.

"Historical Resource" includes, but is not limited to, any building, structure, site area, place, artifact, or

collection of artifacts that is historically or archaeologically significant in the cultural annals of California.

"Indirect Costs" means expenses of doing business that are of a general nature and are incurred to benefit

at least two or more functions within an organization. These costs are not usually identified specifically with

a grant, contract, project, or activity, but are necessary for the general operation of the organization.

Examples include salaries and benefits of employees not directly assigned to the project; functions such as

personnel, accounting, and salaries of supervisors and managers; and overhead such as rent, utilities,

supplies, etc.

"In-Kind" means applicant's land, materials and/or services provided as matching funds for a project in lieu

of monetary type funding.

"Interpretation" means an intelligent and meaningful presentation and explanation of the significance and

value of natural resources or historical or archeological resources.

“Instream flows” means a specific streamflow, measured in cubic feet per second, at a particular location

for a defined time, and typically follows seasonal variations.

“Integrated regional water management plan” has the meaning set forth in Part 2.2 (commencing with

Section 10530) of Division 6, as that part may be amended.

"Jurisdiction" means the legal boundary of the grant Applicant, i.e. the city, county, or district.

“Large or multi sub watershed project” means a project intended to: 1) address water quality, habitat, or

other watershed restoration issues identified in more than one watershed plan; 2) address more than one

habitat issue identified by the Green Visions planning tools; 3) provide substantive water quality benefits to

more than one designated impaired water body; or 4) provide open space or passive recreational benefits

in a location that is regionally accessible.

"Local Conservation Corps" means the local division of the California Conservation Corps, a state

administered organization for youth volunteers to protect and enhance California’s environment and

communities and provide assistance in emergencies.

"Local Agencies" means a city, county, or district entity formed for purposes pursuant to a joint powers

agreement between two or more local entities that are eligible for Grant Programs administered by RMC.

“Long-term” means for a period of not less than 20 years.

"Low Impact Recreation" means any development, rehabilitation, or enhancement of resource-based

facilities and the associated visitor activities that result in minimized impacts on natural areas and natural


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systems. Low impact activities are generally human powered and may include walking, picnicking, hiking,

cycling, non-motorized boating or equestrian use, bird watching, fishing, star-gazing or photography; and

organized events such as interpretive tours, nature walks or educational programs.

"Management Plan" means a plan that identifies responsibility for future management of a given area to

preserve, protect, and enhance natural resource values, and where appropriate, provides for multiple

objectives, and identifies funds for that management.

"Match" means funds or equivalent in-kind contributions in addition to RMC Grant Funds. Increased

consideration will be given to projects that provide matching funds or equivalent in-kind contributions.

“Medium sub watershed project” means a project intended to: 1) address water quality, habitat, or other

watershed restoration issues identified in an applicable watershed plan or by the Green Visions planning

tools; 2) provide substantive water quality benefits to a designated impaired water body; or 3) provide open

space or passive recreational benefits in a location that is generally accessible to multiple local

communities.

"Monitoring and Assessment" means an assessment process to evaluate the success of the proposed

action or improvement, and monitoring progress towards meeting project goals. The standards for

monitoring each project approved for funding will be developed in concert with RMC.

"Multiple Benefit" means projects that involve more than one public benefit objective including habitat

enhancement or protection, water quality improvement, historic resource protection or improvement, public

access development, environmental education or any combination of such objectives.

"Natural habitat" means relatively undisturbed lands and vegetation communities that provide food and

shelter for wildlife and also perform natural functions such as, reducing the volume and velocity of storm

runoff, and enabling water infiltration.

"NEPA" means the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended Public Law 91-190, Title 42

United States Code Sections 4321-433347, January 1, 1970, as amended by Public Law 94-52, July 3,

1975, Public Law 94-83, August 9, 1975, and Public Law 97-258, Section 4 (b), September 13, 1982).

NEPA requires federal agencies to assess the possible environmental consequences of projects, which

they propose to undertake, fund or approve.

"Nonprofit Organization" means any private, nonprofit organization, existing under Section 501(c)(3) of

the United States Internal Revenue Code and has among its principal charitable purposes the preservation

or enhancement of land for scientific, historic, educational, recreational, scenic or open-space values, the

protection of the natural environment, or the preservation and enhancement of fisheries and wildlife or their

habitat.

"Notice of Completion and Acceptance of Work" means the notice completed by the grantee and filed

with the county recorder in the county where the property is located, upon completion and acceptance of

any and all construction work related to a project.

"Open Space" means any area that can potentially serve as wildlife habitat, facilitate natural processes, or

allow for public access for passive forms of recreation.

"Plans" means the detailed drawings or exact reproductions that show location, character, layout,

dimensions, and details of the work to be constructed under the contract for a historical resource Project.

"Planning" means specific preparations necessary to execute eligible projects. Planning includes

conceptual designs, pre-schematic work, such as initial architectural or engineering plans prepared during

the preliminary project phase; schematic documents; technical consulting; construction design;

CEQA/NEPA documentation; preparation of construction bidding documents; permits or appraisals.

Planning costs are distinct from hard project costs of actual construction or land acquisition.


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"Project" means the acquisition, development, (rehabilitation and restoration), or interpretation activities to

be accomplished with grant funds.

"Project Manager" means an employee of RMC, who acts as a liaison with Grantees and administers

grants.

"Project Management Plan” means the overall plan used to describe how the completed project would be

operated and maintained on a long term basis. This document could include habitat, landscape, park, and

other facility/resource long term management plans.

"Project Performance Period" means the period of time that the grant funds are available, and the time in

which the project must be completed, billed, and paid.

"Project Scope" means the description or activity of work to be accomplished on the project.

"Property" means the land, including all structures attached to such land, upon which the project is located.

"Property Owner" means the person or entity that holds the fee simple interest of the Property.

"Public access" refers to public access generally with full right of way from a public thoroughfare or public

transportation. It could also mean the provision for visitor support facilities, including public parking, trails,

bikeways, restrooms, picnic areas and campgrounds and other recreational facilities.

“Public agency” means a state agency or department, special district, joint powers authority, city, county,

city and county, or other political subdivision of the state.

“Rainwater” has the meaning set forth in subdivision (c) of Section 10573.

"Restoration" means the process of reproducing, re-establishing, or rehabilitating a natural area or a

cultural or historical site or feature that has otherwise deteriorated so that it emulates the site’s historic

condition before degradation.

"Riparian" means locations and associated vegetative communities related to or on the banks of rivers,

streams, wetlands, marshes or other fresh water bodies.

“Secretary” means the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency.

“Severely disadvantaged community” has the meaning set forth in subdivision (a) of Section 116760.20

of the Health and Safety Code.

“Small community water system” means a community water system that serves no more than 3,300

service connections or a yearlong population of no more than 10,000 persons.

“State board” means the State Water Resources Control Board.

“State General Obligation Bond Law” means the State General Obligation Bond Law (Chapter 4

(commencing with Section 16720) of Part 3 of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code).

“State small water system” has the meaning set forth in subdivision of Section 116275 of the Health and

Safety Code.

“Stormwater” has the meaning set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 10573.

"Scenic Value" means any historic, open space or other natural resource features with significant visual

aesthetic values.


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“Significant” 1: having meaning; especially : <a significant glance>

2 a: having or likely to have influence or effect : <a significant piece of legislation>; also: of a noticeably or

measurably large amount <a significant number of layoffs> <producing significant profits> b: probably

caused by something other than mere chance <statistically significant correlation between vitamin

deficiency and disease>

“Small or neighborhood project” means a project intended to address site-specific, or neighborhood-

scale, water quality or habitat issues, or that is intended to provide open space or passive recreational

amenities intended for local community.

"Specifications" means all written directions, provisions, and requirements governing the methods and

procedures to be followed in connection with bidding and awarding of contract and performance and

execution of the work, the quantities and qualities of materials to be used, the method of measurement of

the quantities of work, and the nature of the contractual relationships that will exist during the course of the

work.

"Stewardship" means the development, implementation, and long-term management of important

resources and typically involving the protection, preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, improvement of

natural systems and/or outstanding features, and historical and cultural resources.

“Sustainable/Sustainability” means the ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of

future generations to do the same. Also, the goal of life, liberty, and social well-being within the means of

nature.

"Threatened or Endangered Species" means species listed as defined by the Federal Endangered

Species Act passed in 1973.

“Threatened Natural Habitats” include any areas that contain natural habitat that will be destroyed or

degraded by a proposed urban development plan which, at the least, has already been submitted to the

governing jurisdiction or planning commission.

"Trailhead and Trailside Facilities" include, but are not limited to parking, utilities, restrooms, benches,

bridges, draining structures, fencing, and interpretive and informational signs, exhibit and brochure shelters

and related facilities.

“Urban Greening” per the adopted guidelines by the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers Master plans.


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APPENDIX B: CHAPTER 6 OF PROPOSITION 1 Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters, and Watersheds 79730. The sum of one billion four hundred ninety-five million dollars ($1,495,000,000) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature from the fund, in accordance with this chapter, for competitive grants for multibenefit ecosystem and watershed protection and restoration projects in accordance with statewide priorities. 79731. Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, the sum of three hundred twenty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($327,500,000) shall be allocated for multibenefit water quality, water supply, and watershed protection and restoration projects for the watersheds of the state in accordance with the following schedule: (a) Baldwin Hills Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000). (b) California Tahoe Conservancy, fifteen million dollars ($15,000,000). (c) Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000). (d) Ocean Protection Council, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000). (e) San Diego River Conservancy, seventeen million dollars ($17,000,000). (f) San Gabriel and Lower Los Angeles Rivers and Mountains Conservancy, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000). (g) San Joaquin River Conservancy, ten million dollars ($10,000,000). (h) Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, thirty million dollars ($30,000,000). (i) Sierra Nevada Conservancy, twenty-five million dollars ($25,000,000). (j) State Coastal Conservancy, one hundred million five hundred thousand dollars ($100,500,000). Eligible watersheds for the funds allocated pursuant to this subdivision include, but are not limited to, those that are in the San Francisco Bay Conservancy region, the Santa Ana River watershed, the Tijuana River watershed, the Otay River watershed, Catalina Island, and the central coast region. (k) Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, fifty million dollars ($50,000,000). 79732. (a) In protecting and restoring California rivers, lakes, streams, and watersheds, the purposes of this chapter are to: (1) Protect and increase the economic benefits arising from healthy watersheds, fishery resources, and instream flow. (2) Implement watershed adaptation projects in order to reduce the impacts of climate change on California’s communities and ecosystems. (3) Restore river parkways throughout the state, including, but not limited to, projects pursuant to the

California River Parkways Act of 2004 (Chapter 3.8 (commencing with Section 5750) of Division 5 of the

Public Resources Code), in the Urban Streams Restoration Program established pursuant to Section 7048,

and urban river greenways.

(4) Protect and restore aquatic, wetland, and migratory bird ecosystems, including fish and wildlife corridors and the acquisition of water rights for instream flow. (5) Fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of multiparty settlement agreements related to water resources. (6) Remove barriers to fish passage. (7) Collaborate with federal agencies in the protection of fish native to California and wetlands in the central valley of California. (8) Implement fuel treatment projects to reduce wildfire risks, protect watersheds tributary to water storage facilities, and promote watershed health. (9) Protect and restore rural and urban watershed health to improve watershed storage capacity, forest health, protection of life and property, stormwater resource management, and greenhouse gas reduction. (10) Protect and restore coastal watersheds, including, but not limited to, bays, marine estuaries, and nearshore ecosystems. (11) Reduce pollution or contamination of rivers, lakes, streams, or coastal waters, prevent and remediate mercury contamination from legacy mines, and protect or restore natural system functions that contribute to water supply, water quality, or flood management.


24

(12) Assist in the recovery of endangered, threatened, or migratory species by improving watershed health, instream flows, fish passage, coastal or inland wetland restoration, or other means, such as natural community conservation plan and habitat conservation plan implementation. (13) Assist in water-related agricultural sustainability projects. (b) Funds provided by this chapter shall only be used for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations. 79733. Of the funds made available by Section 79730, the sum of two hundred million dollars ($200,000,000) shall be administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board for projects that result in enhanced stream flows. 79734. For restoration and ecosystem protection projects under this chapter, the services of the California Conservation Corps or a local conservation corps certified by the California Conservation Corps shall be used whenever feasible. 79735. (a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, one hundred million dollars ($100,000,000) shall be available, upon appropriation by the Legislature, for projects to protect and enhance an urban creek, as defined in subdivision (e) of Section 7048, and its tributaries, pursuant to Division 22.8 (commencing with Section 32600) of, and Division 23 (commencing with Section 33000) of, the Public Resources Code and Section 79508. (b) (1) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) shall be made available to the secretary for a competitive program to fund multibenefit watershed and urban rivers enhancement projects in urban watersheds that increase regional and local water self-sufficiency and that meet at least two of the following objectives: (A) Promote groundwater recharge and water reuse. (B) Reduce energy consumption. (C) Use soils, plants, and natural processes to treat runoff. (D) Create or restore native habitat. (E) Increase regional and local resiliency and adaptability to climate change.

(2) The program under this subdivision shall be implemented by state conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other entities whose jurisdiction includes urban watersheds, as designated by the secretary. Projects funded under the program shall be a part of a plan developed jointly by the conservancies, the Wildlife Conservation Board, the state board, or other designated entities in consultation with the secretary. (c) At least 25 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section shall be allocated for projects that benefit disadvantaged communities. (d) Up to 10 percent of the funds available pursuant to this section may be allocated for project planning. 79736. Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, four hundred seventy-five million dollars ($475,000,000) shall be available to the Natural Resources Agency to support projects that fulfill the obligations of the State of California in complying with the terms of any of the following: (a) Subsection (d) of Section 3406 of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Title 34 of Public Law 102-575). (b) Interstate compacts set forth in Section 66801 of the Government Code pursuant to Title 7.42 (commencing with Section 66905) of the Government Code. (c) Intrastate or multiparty water quantification settlement agreement provisions, including ecosystem restoration projects, as set forth in Chapters 611, 612, 613, and 614 of the Statutes of 2003. (d) The settlement agreement referenced in Section 2080.2 of the Fish and Game Code. (e) Any intrastate or multiparty settlement agreement related to water acted upon or before December 31, 2013. Priority shall be given to projects that meet one or more of the following criteria: (1) The project is of statewide significance. (2) The project restores natural aquatic or riparian functions, or wetlands habitat for birds and aquatic species.


25

(3) The project protects or promotes the restoration of endangered or threatened species.

(4) The project enhances the reliability of water supplies on a regional or interregional basis. (5) The project provides significant regional or statewide economic benefits. 79737. (a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, two hundred eighty-five million dollars ($285,000,000) shall be available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for watershed restoration projects statewide in accordance with this chapter. (b) For the purposes of this section, watershed restoration includes activities to fund coastal wetland habitat, improve forest health, restore mountain meadows, modernize stream crossings, culverts, and bridges, reconnect historical flood plains, install or improve fish screens, provide fish passages, restore river channels, restore or enhance riparian, aquatic, and terrestrial habitat, improve ecological functions, acquire from willing sellers conservation easements for riparian buffer strips, improve local watershed management, and remove sediment or trash. (c) For any funds available pursuant to this section that are used to provide grants under the Fisheries Restoration Grant Program, a priority shall be given to coastal waters. (d) In allocating funds for projects pursuant to this section, the Department of Fish and Wildlife shall only make funds available for water quality, river, and watershed protection and restoration projects of statewide importance outside of the Delta. (e) Funds provided by this section shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design, construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities. (f) Funds provided by this section shall only be used for projects that will provide fisheries or ecosystem benefits or improvements that are greater than required applicable environmental mitigation measures or compliance obligations, except for any water transfers for the benefit of subsection (d) of Section 3406 of the Central Valley Project Improvement Act (Title 34 of Public Law 102-575). 79738. (a) Of the funds authorized by Section 79730, eighty-seven million five hundred thousand dollars ($87,500,000) shall be available to the Department of Fish and Wildlife for water quality, ecosystem restoration, and fish protection facilities that benefit the Delta, including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Projects to improve water quality or that contribute to the improvement of water quality in the Delta, including projects in Delta counties that provide multiple public benefits and improve drinking and agricultural water quality or water supplies. (2) Habitat restoration, conservation, and enhancement projects to improve the condition of special status, at risk, endangered, or threatened species in the Delta and the Delta counties, including projects to eradicate invasive species, and projects that support the beneficial reuse of dredged material for habitat restoration and levee improvements. (3) Scientific studies and assessments that support the Delta Science Program, as described in Section 85280, or projects under this section. (b) In implementing this section, the department shall coordinate and consult with the Delta city or Delta county in which a grant is proposed to be expended or an interest in real property is proposed to be acquired. (c) Acquisitions pursuant to this section shall be from willing sellers only. (d) In implementing this section state agencies shall prioritize wildlife conservation objectives through projects on public lands or voluntary projects on private lands, to the extent feasible. (e) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be used to acquire land via eminent domain. (f) Funds available pursuant to this section shall not be expended to pay the costs of the design,

construction, operation, mitigation, or maintenance of Delta conveyance facilities.


26


27

APPENDIX C: PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA*

Staff will deem a grant application complete when it has passed the initial selection process. Staff will recommend the grant application to the Grant Selection Committee for evaluation and scoring by utilizing the evaluation criteria set forth below. An application must achieve an average score of 85 percent or higher in order to qualify for recommendation of grant funds to the RMC Board. *Criterion that are marked with an asterisk are not eligible for funding, however these elements will contribute to an applicant’s overall score. Applicants must demonstrate that supplemental funding is available for non-eligible costs.

Project Evaluation Criteria

Program Relevance

Urban Land

Rivers / Tributaries

Mountains / Hills

1.0 Restore River Parkways

1.1. The Project is identified in an existing or proposed trail plan (e.g. Master Bikeway Path Plan) or connects communities to major existing or planned trails or open space.

5 5 5

1.2. Restore River Parkway, Section 79732 (a) (3) California River Parkways Act of 2004

1 1 1

1.3. * Project is on land that is an underutilized public or private holding. Underutilized properties include blighted vacant lots or inaccessible public lands

1 1 1

1.4. The project is within ¼ mile or 10 minutes walking distance of a residential area and/or public transportation and includes multilingual wayfinding signage.

1 1 1

1.5. The project includes improvements to a pedestrian, equestrian and/or bicycle connection to an existing trail, trail system, community facility, recreation area or school.

1 1 1

1.6. The project would accommodate a new trail into an inaccessible area.

1 1 1

Subtotal

10 10 10

*2.0 Educational/Interpretive Signage

2.1 *Educational/Interpretive and/or informational elements are

included. 1 1 1

2.2 *Signage or educational/interpretive message includes the

natural history, cultural history, and watershed

stewardship. (not include in criteria) 1 1 1

Subtotal 2 2 2


28


Program Relevance

Urban Land


Mountains / Hills

3.0 Habitat and Restoration Resource Values

3.1 The project results in new habitat and increases at least one of the following: terrestrial, avian, or aquatic habitats or creates new linkages or corridors. – OR –

3.2 The project preserves threatened natural habitat and protects native floral and faunal biodiversity that may be lost to a planned development. – OR –

3.3 The project preserves threatened natural habitat and protects native floral and faunal biodiversity that may be lost to a planned development. – OR –

5 5

5

3.4. The project preserves and/or enhances existing natural habitat and protects native floral and faunal biodiversity.

1 2 1

3.5. The project includes an evaluation of the suitability, strategy, and success measures for the site’s habitat preservation, creation, and/or enhancement.

1 2

1

3.6. The project supports substantial in-stream or native riparian habitat and/or supports substantial upland native vegetative cover

1

2

1

3.7. The project includes habitat that supports or may support either a special status species, or a candidate for special status species per federal, state, local, or California Native Plant Society designations.

1

2

1

3.8. The project supports unique and/or irreplaceable ecological systems, i.e., coastal salt marsh, vernal pool, monarch breeding, migratory watering area

1

2

1

3.9. The project is located within a county-designated ecologically sensitive watershed area, i.e., Significant Ecological Area, Conceptual Area Protection Plan (CAPP), or other agency reviewed plan area.

1

2

1

3.10. The project protects watershed processes enhances or supports downstream habitat.

1 2

1

3.11. The project includes habitat that provides a buffer between protected or proposed protected areas and incompatible uses (e.g. Wildland-Urban Interface).

1

2

1

3.12. The project is adjacent to publicly owned open space or private land protected under a conservation easement or similar perpetual restriction.

1

2

1

3.13. The project will be managed in such a manner as to provide maximum long term habitat protection (please explain)

1 2 1

3.14. The project enhances wetland and subtidal habitats to restore ecosystem function and provide multi-beneficial flood protection and resilient shorelines

1 2 1

3.15. The project is on the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project Regional Strategy project list

1 2 1

3.16. The project contains a quantifiable plan for evaluating the long term success of any habitat restoration efforts.

1 2 1

3.17. The scope of habitat restoration does not negatively impact the health of already existing natural habitat on site or adjacent to the site.

1 2 1


29


Program Relevance

Urban Land


Mountains / Hills

3.18. The project is compliant with the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB32) and subsequent policy and program implementation in order to meet the State’s Climate Change Adaptation and Greenhouse Gas Reductions

1 2 1

Subtotal 20 35 20

4.0 Matching Funds

4.1 Project sponsor will contribute 100% or more matching funds (does not include in-kind services; can be other grants/gifts or private and local funding)

10 10 10

4.2 Project sponsor will contribute 50% or more matching funds (does not include in-kind services; can be other grants/gifts or private and local funding)

5 5 5

Subtotal 15 15 15

5.0 Environmental Justice and Disadvantaged Communities

5.1 Cal-Enviro Sreen standards

Up to 15 bonus points will be awarded to proposed projects that primarily benefit communities with high pollution burdens and/or high population characteristic scores, based on CalEnviroScreen maps. http://oehha.ca.gov/ej/ces2.html

5 points = CalEnviroScreen score of 61% - 70% (on any of the 3 maps) 10 points = CalEnviroScreen score of 71%- 80% (on any of the 3 maps) 15 points = CalEnviroScreen score of 81% or higher (on any of the 3 maps) 15 15 15

5.2 The project creates a sense of community through educational outreach, community activities, and programs.

2 1 1

5.3 The project will serve an area that has a significant percentage of residents living with chronic diseases (examples: diabetes, obesity, asthma) please visit http://oehha.ca.gov/ej/ces2.html.

2 1 1

5.4 The project contains signage elements that promote physical activity and “healthy living” practices such as mileage makers, walking trails and other physical activities.

2 1 1

5.5 Creates new park space in a disadvantaged or park poor community defined as a census track with a population that has more than 30% youth and less than 80% of the state’s annual median income and/or having less than 2 acres/0.8 hectares of open space per 1,000 residents. As defined by subdivision (a) of Section 79505.5, please visit http://oehha.ca.gov/ej/ces2.html.

5

5

5

5.6 The project design and/or location provides relief from the negative impacts of urban density such as incompatible land uses and unregulated industrial impacts.

2 1 1

5.7 The project provides physical linkages to open space (passive and recreational) from a disadvantaged and/or park-poor neighborhood.

2 1 1

5.8 The project conforms to the RMC Environmental Justice Policy per Section 2.4.

5 5 5

Subtotal 35 30 30


30


Program Relevance

Urban Land


Mountains / Hills

6.0 Multi-beneficial and multi-jurisdictional

6.1 This project is a multi-beneficial and multi-jurisdictional ecosystem and watershed protection project in accordance with statewide priorities.

2 2 1

6.2 The project would create or enhance vistas to natural, architectural, or cultural resources.

1 1 1

6.3 The extent to which the project achieves one or more of the purposes of Chapter 6 of Prop 1

1 1 1

6.4 Projects will use the California Conservation Corps for project implementation.

5 5 5

The extent to which the project promotes and implements the California Water Action Plan objectives which includes reliable water supplies, the restoration of important species and habitat and a more resilient and sustainably managed water infrastructure.

1 1 1

Subtotal 10 10 10

7.0 Stakeholders/Partners Resource Value

7.1 The project is clearly defined and includes an objective, mission and purpose.

1 1 1

7.2 The project is significant to one or more local citizen groups or non-governmental organizations as evidenced by a letter of support from the organization's governing body.

1 1 1

7.3 The project includes youth workforce elements. 1 1 1

Subtotal 3 3 3

8.0 Stewardship and Management Plan Value

8.1 The project includes an adopted guidelines, strategic plan, etc. for active stakeholder/partner participation that includes the 20-25 year period of the project after completion (includes identification of stakeholder/partner groups).

1 1 1

8.2 The project includes a landscape maintenance manual containing details regarding logistics of weed management, trail maintenance, trash management, unauthorized uses, and a habitat establishment monitoring program.

1 1 1

8.3 The project identifies funding for a specified list of activities that an organization (i.e. professional contractor, local non-profit, or community volunteer group) with relevant expertise, that will provide appropriate future stewardship and adaptive management to ensure the sustainability of the project.

1 1 1

8.4 There is a support letter(s) or agreement with the organization identified in 8.1

1 1 1

8.5 Applicant has organizational capacity and has 10+ years of maintaining and operating projects of similar size and scope

1 1 1

Subtotal 5 5 5


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Program Relevance

Urban Land


Mountains / Hills

9.0 Water Sustainability/Water Storage/Water Infrastructure

9.1 The project includes 3 or more of the following elements to address climate change:

1) Sustainable site planning and land use compatibility

2) Safeguarding water and water efficiency,

3) Energy efficiency and renewable energy,

4) Conservation of materials and resources, and

5) Indoor environmental quality.

5 5 5

9.2 The project incorporates more than 50% recycled content product hardscape elements (benches, signage, light fixtures, gates, fences, etc).

1 1 1

9.3 The project contains a more than a 75% native plant palette. 1 1 1

9.4 Maintain and improve flood protection through natural and non-structural systems and ecosystem restoration

1 1 1

9.5 Establish riverfront greenways to cleanse water, hold floodwaters and extend open space

1 1 1

9.6 Optimize water resources by improving the quality of surface and ground water and enhance ground water recharge, to reduce dependence on imported water

1 1 1

Subtotal 10 10 10

10.0 Urban Land Value

10.1 The project contributes to the removal of a nuisance property/use from the community.

2 1 1

10.2 The project provides relief from high urban density defined as 150% or more of county median population density.

2 1 1

10.3 The project contributes to an existing or proposed park, natural area, corridor, or greenway in an urbanized area.

2 1 1

10.4 The project involves joint-use of a site (e.g. a school yard, is a public park during off-school hours).

2 1 1

10.5 The project is sited in an area with more than 120% of the median county percent under age 18.

2 1 1

Subtotal 10 5 5

11.0 Water Resource and Quality Value

11.1 The project provides a new opportunity for substantial water conservation and/or water quality improvements

5 5 5

11.2 The project contains or improves groundwater supply and/or recharge capabilities.

5 5 5

11.3 Project includes treatment of storm water runoff. 4 4 4

11.4 The project includes a groundwater improvement element that exceeds the recommended elements of the Comprehensive Groundwater Quality Monitoring Act of 2001.

1 1 1


32


Program Relevance

Urban Land


Mountains / Hills

11.5 The project utilizes recycled water. 1 1 1

11.6 The project utilizes cisterns or similar devices to collect and recycle rainwater on site. Project includes water conservation measures.

1 1 1

11.7 The project includes a water quality element consistent with the description of a “small or neighborhood project” as described in the Greater Los Angeles Region IRWM Plan.

1 1 1

11.8 The project includes a water quality element consistent with the description of a “medium or sub watershed project” as described in the Greater Los Angeles Region IRWM Plan.

1 1 1

11.9 The project includes a water quality element consistent with the description of a “large or multi sub watershed project” as described in the Greater Los Angeles Region IRWM Plan.

1 1 1

Subtotal 20 20 20

TOTAL POINTS 140 145 130


33

APPENDIX D: GRANT APPLICATION FORM

RMC PROPOSITION 1 GRANT PROGRAM

PROJECT FUNDING APPLICATION

1. APPLICANT: ____________________________________________________________________________

2. AGENCY CONTACT: ______________________________________________________________________

3. EMAIL/PHONE: _________________________________________________________________________

4. ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________________

5. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO EXECUTE AGREEEMENTS (if different from agency contact):

______________________________________________________________________________________

6. PROJECT NAME (it is recommended that you include one/more of the following terms in the project name:

Acquisition, Restoration, Development, Water Quality Improvement (maximum 50 characters, for example,

San Gabriel River Restoration Project):

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

7. PROJECT DESCRIPTION (100 words or less):___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________

8. PROGRAM TYPE: (check ONLY ONE)

___ Urban Lands

___ Rivers/Tributary Parkways

___ Mountains, Hills and Foothills

9. PROJECT TYPE: (check all that apply)

___ Planning

___ Acquisition

___ Development

___ Open Space

___ Watershed Improvement-Water Quality

___ Watershed Improvement-Water Conservation

___ Watershed Improvement-Water Supply

___ Wildlife Corridor

___ Water Quality Improvements

___ Wetland Habitat Restoration

10. PROJECT LOCATION:

Address: __________________________________ County: _____________________________

District: ___________________________________ County Supervisor District: ______________

Senate District: _____________________________ Assembly District: _____________________

Congressional District: _______________________ Lat/Long: ____________________________

Parcel No(s): _______________________________


34

11. COMPLETE THECALIFORNIA CONSERVATION CORPS AND CERTIFIED COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CORPS

CONSULTATION PROCESS (EXHIBIT E)

___ YES, state the CCC that your agency is proposing to hire to complete your project: _________________________

___ NO, explain why the CCC cannot provide the services for your project: __________________________________

12. WILL THIS PROJECT RESULT IN NEW PARK/OPEN SPACE?

___ YES, then how many Total Acres_______________; Trail Miles________________

___ NO

13. WILL THIS PROJECT RESULT IN NEW AREAS OF RESTORED HABITAT?

___ YES, then how many Total Acres:__________;

Trail miles:__________; Riparian Linear Miles:__________; Acres of Wetlands:__________

___ NO

14. WILL THIS PROJECT RESULT IN NEW PARK DEVELOPMENT?

___ YES, then how many Total Acres:_______________; Trail Miles________________

___ NO

15. WILL THIS PROJECT INVOLVE AN ACQUISITION? (check all that are included in this grant application):

___ YES, then how many Total Acres:_______________;

___ Willing Seller Letter

___ Appraisal

___ Current Title Report

___ Environmental Assessments

___ NO

16. DOES YOUR PROJECT INVOLVE DEVELOPMENT/RESTORATION? (check all that apply)

___ Land Tenure (do you have site control)

___ Zoning

___ Permits

AGENCY YES NO PERMIT INCLUDED IN

GRANT APPLICATION

California Fish and Wildlife

State Water Control Resources Board

US Army Corp of Engineers

US Fish and Wildlife

Los Angeles County Flood Control District

City/County Construction Permits

Coastal Commission

Other

17. DESIGN

What is the status of your project design, check the most appropriate box?

___ General project concept with no professional design work

___ Professional drafted concept design

___ Professional drafted concept design with defined task and budget line items


35

___ 30% construction drawings with task and budget line items

___ 60% construction drawings with task and budget line items

___ Approved construction drawings with all permits

What is the status of the environmental documentation for this project, check the most appropriate box?

___ No CEQA/NEPA work initiated

___ Initial Study Completed

___ CEQA/NEPA in process, expected date of completion _____________________

___ CEQA/NEPA completed, date of completion ____________________________

18. FUNDING INFORMATION

Amount requested:______________________

Is your funding request for the full amount necessary to complete this project? ___YES ____NO

Matching Funds: ___YES, total amounts and funding agency______________________ ____NO

Complete the following budget template for your budget and insert rows as necessary.

Tasks/Project Elements RMC Request Matching Funds Total Cost

19. TIMELINE

Assuming that the RMC grant funds may be awarded in summer 2016 what is the expected timeline for this project.

Start Date: _______________________________________________________________

Completion Date: _________________________________________________________

Complete the following template for your timeline, insert rows as necessary.

Tasks/Project Elements Start Date Completion Date

20. DOES THIS PROJECT HAVE AN EXISTING SITE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Task Completed

No

Yes (explain funding sources and responsible

organization

Has dedicated funding been secured for

maintenance of this project for the life of the

project?

Has the local jurisdiction/operational entity

adopted landscape standards/protocols for

native plants?

Please describe how the project will be

monitored and managed after it is built

21. SIGNATURES

Signature of Applicant:______________________________________________________________

Name and Title:____________________________________________________________________

Signature of Authorized Official:______________________________________________________

Name and Title:____________________________________________________________________


36


37

APPENDIX E: CALIFORNIA CONSERVATION CORPS AND CERTIFIED COMMUNITY CONSERVATION CORPS

CONSULTATION

California Conservation Corps and Certified Community Conservation Corps Proposition 1 - Water Bond Guidelines – Chapter 6

Corps Consultation Process June 2015

This process has been developed to ensure compliance with Division 26.7 of the Water Code, Chapter 6, Section 79734 that specifies the involvement of the CCC and the certified community conservation corps (as represented by the California Association of Local Conservation Corps-CALCC). Section 79734 states “For restoration and ecosystem protection projects funded pursuant to this chapter, the services of the California Conservation Corps or a local conservation corps certified by the California Conservation Corps will be used whenever feasible.” Applicants applying for funds to complete restoration and ecosystem protection projects will consult with representatives of the California Conservation Corps (CCC) AND the California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC), the entity representing the certified community conservation corps, to determine the feasibility of the Corps participation. Unless otherwise exempted (see notes below), applicants that fail to engage in such consultation should not be eligible to receive Chapter 6 funds. CCC and CALCC have developed the following consultation process for inclusion in Prop 1 – Chapter 6 project and/or grant program guidelines:

Step 1: Prior to submittal of an application or project plan to the Funder, Applicant prepares

the following information for submission to both the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and CALCC (who represents the certified community conservation corps):

� Project Title

� Project Description (identifying key project activities and deliverables)

� Project Map (showing project location)

� Project Implementation estimated start and end dates

Step 2: Applicant submits the forgoing information via email concurrently to the CCC and CALCC representatives: California Conservation Corps representative: Name: CCC Prop 1 Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: (916) 341-3100

California Association of Local Conservation Corps representative: Name: Crystal Muhlenkamp

Email:[email protected] Phone: 916-426-9170 ext. 0

Step 3: Within five (5) business days of receiving the project information, the CCC and CALCC representatives will review the submitted information, contact the applicant if necessary, and respond to the applicant with a Corps Consultation Review Document (template attached) informing them:

(1) It is NOT feasible for CCC and/or certified community conservation corps

services to be used on the project; or


38

(2) It is feasible for the CCC and/or certified community conservation corps

services to be used on the project and identifying the aspects of the project

that can be accomplished with Corps services.

Note: While the Corps will take up to 5 days to review projects, applicants are encouraged to contact the CCC/CALCC representatives to discuss feasibility early in the project development process. The Corps cannot guarantee a compliant review process for applicants who submit project information fewer than 5 business days before a deadline.

Step 4: Applicant submits application to Funder that includes Corps Consultation Review

Document.

Step 5: Funder reviews applications. Applications that do not include documentation demonstrating that the Corps have been consulted will be deemed “noncompliant” and will not be considered for funding.

NOTES:

1. The Corps already have determined that it is not feasible to use their services on restoration

and ecosystem protection projects that solely involve either planning or acquisition. Therefore,

applicants seeking funds for such projects are exempt from the consultation requirement and

should check the appropriate box on the Consultation Review Document.

2. An applicant that has been awarded funds to undertake a project where it has been

determined that Corps services can be used must thereafter work with either the CCC or

CALCC to develop a scope of work and enter into a contract with the appropriate Corps.

Unless otherwise excused, failure to utilize a Corps on such a project will result in Funding

Entities assessing a scoring penalty on the applicant’s future applications for Chapter 6

Funds.


39

Corps Consultation Review Document

Unless an exempted project, this Corps Consultation Review Document must be completed by California

Conservation Corps and Community Conservation Corps staff and accompany applications for projects or

grants seeking funds through Proposition 1, Chapter 6, Protecting Rivers, Lakes, Streams, Coastal Waters

and Watersheds. Non-exempt applications that do not include this document demonstrating that the Corps

have been consulted will be deemed “noncompliant” and will not be considered for funding.

1. Name of Applicant: Project Title: Department/Conservancy to which you are applying for funding: To be completed by Applicant: Is this application solely for planning or acquisition?

� Yes (application is exempt from the requirement to consult with the Corps)

� No (proceed to #2)

To be completed by Corps: This Consultation Review Document is being prepared by:

� The California Conservation Corps (CCC)

� California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC)

2. Applicant has submitted the required information by email to the California Conservation Corps (CCC) and California Association of Local Conservation Corps (CALCC):

� Yes (applicant has submitted all necessary information to CCC and CALCC)

� No (applicant has not submitted all information or did not submit information to both Corps –

application is deemed non-compliant)

3. After consulting with the project applicant, the CCC and CALCC has determined the following:

� It is NOT feasible for CCC and/or certified community conservation corps services to be used

on the project (deemed compliant)

� It is feasible for the CCC and/or certified community conservation corps services to be used

on the project and the following aspects of the project can be accomplished with Corps

services (deemed compliant).

______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________

CCC AND CALCC REPRESENTATIVES WILL RETURN THIS FORM AS DOCUMENTION OF CONSULTATION BY EMAIL TO APPLICANT WITHIN FIVE (5) BUSINESS OF RECEIPT AS VERIFICATION OF CONSULTATION. APPLICANT WILL INCLUDE COPY OF THIS DOCUMENT AS PART OF THE PROJECT APPLICATION.


40


RANCHOSANTA

MARGARITA

MISSIONVIEJO

TRABUCOHIGHLANDS

EL TORO

EL TORO STATIONCOSTA MESA

PORTOLAHILLSIRVINE

FOUNTAINVALLEY

HUNTINGTONBEACH

WESTMINSTERROLLINGHILLS

TUSTINSANTAANA

SEAL BEACHRANCHO

PALOS VERDES

ROLLING HILLSESTATES TUSTIN

FOOTHILLS

ROSSMOORLOMITA

GARDEN GROVE

SIGNAL HILL STANTONLOS ALAMITOS

VILLA PARK

HAWAIIANGARDENS

WESTCARSON

CYPRESS

ORANGE

LA PALMALAKEWOODHERMOSA

BEACH

ARTESIA

TORRANCE CARSON

LONG BEACH

ANAHEIM

CERRITOS

REDONDOBEACH

BUENAPARK

ALONDRAPARK

LAWNDALE WESTCOMPTONMANHATTAN

BEACH BELLFLOWER

GARDENA

PLACENTIA

YORBA LINDA

DEL AIRE

CORONA

ELSEGUNDO

FULLERTON

WILLOWBROOKWEST

ATHENSLA MIRADAHAWTHORNE

EASTLA MIRADA

LENNOX LA HABRABREA

SOUTHWHITTIERWESTMONT

WALNUTPARK

DOWNEY NORCO

INGLEWOOD

BELLGARDENS LA HABRA

HEIGHTS

MARINADEL REY

FLORENCE-GRAHAM

HUNTINGTONPARK

MAYWOODLOS

SERRANOS

VIEW PARK-WINDSOR HILLS

ROWLANDHEIGHTS

WHITTIER

LADERAHEIGHTS

VERNON COMMERCE PICORIVERA

CHINOHILLS

CULVER CITY

HACIENDAHEIGHTS

SANTAMONICA

MONTEBELLO

DIAMOND BAR

SOUTHSAN GABRIEL

CHINO

EASTLOS ANGELES

SOUTHEL MONTE

WALNUT

MONTEREYPARK

WESTHOLLYWOOD

ROSEMEADONTARIO

EL MONTE MONTCLAIRBEVERLYHILLS

COVINAALHAMBRA

CHARTER OAKSAN

GABRIEL

POMONA

CLAREMONT UPLANDLA VERNE

SAN ANTONIOHEIGHTS

SAN DIMAS

RANCHOCUCAMONGA

GLENDORA

WRIGHTWOOD

SANTA CLARITA

LAKE LOS ANGELES

INDUSTRY

SOUTHSAN JOSE

HILLS

AVOCADOHEIGHTS LA PUENTE

VALINDA

WESTPUENTEVALLEY

BALDWINPARK

WEST COVINA

NORTHEL MONTE

VINCENT

CITRUS

TEMPLECITY

SOUTHPASADENA

IRWINDALE

EASTSAN

GABRIELMAYFLOWER

VILLAGE

EASTPASADENA

SANMARINO

BURBANK

BRADBURY

AZUSA

DUARTE

SIERRA MADRE

ARCADIA

MONROVIA

ALTADENA

PASADENA

LA CANADAFLINTRIDGE

LA CRESCENTA-MONTROSE

GLENDALE

SAN FERNANDO

ACTON

LITTLEROCK

PALMDALE EAST

DESERT VIEW HIGHLANDS

PALMDALE

QUARTZ HILL

PALOSVERDESESTATES

EASTCOMPTON

PARAMOUNTCOMPTON

NORWALK

LYNWOOD

SOUTH GATE

CUDAHYSANTA FESPRINGS

WEST WHITTIER-LOS NIETOSBELL

LOS ANGELES

LOS ANGELES

Los Angeles R iver

S anG

abriel R iv

er

S an

G abriel

Mountains

Angeles

National

Forest

San AndreasFault

ZoneHwy 14

I - 5

I - 10

I - 210

I - 405I - 5

I - 10 I-

110

I - 605

I - 405Los Angeles

Orange San Bernardino

Riverside

S an G abriel & Lower Los Angeles

R ivers & Mountains C ons ervancy

The Mis sion of the R ivers and MountainsC ons ervancy is to pres erve urban openspace and habitats in order to provide forlow-impact recreation and educational us es ,wildlife habitat res toration and protection,and waters hed improvementswithin its juris diction.

Mark Stanely, Executive OfficerRivers & Mountains Conservancy100 O l d S a n G a b r i e l R dAzusa, California 91702(626) 815-1 0 1 9www.rmc.ca.gov

10 Mi

Pa c i f i c

Oc e a n

County Boundaries

S an G abriel & L ower L os Angeles

Rivers & Mountains Conservancy(RMC) Jurisdictional Boundary

ltorres

Rectangle

ltorres

Oval